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The Quack by Jan Steen, 1650 – 1660
Zodiac Man in Almanac, 1878
Mercury as a cure for scrofula
Quackery in 19th century London
Health Panacea Advertisements, 1909
Samuel Thomson’s “Natural” Botanic Medicine
Dr. Scott’s Genuine Electric Belt Postcard, late 19th century
1909 ad for tonic to combat neurasthenia
Snake oil means quackery thanks to Clark Stanley
Horsford’s Acid Phosphates Trade Card, late 19th century
Discovering Quacks, Utopias, and Cemeteries: Modern Lessons from Historical Themes explores two enduring issues – our age-old pursuit of better lives and how the media impacts our choices. In this unique approach to social history, each chapter opens with essential questions asking the reader to consider these issues in historical and modern life. The histories of fake cures, imaginary and real utopias, cemeteries, tombstones, and scrapbooks are explored from ancient times through the transformations caused by the Industrial Revolution into the twentieth century. Historical images, excerpts from primary source documents, and activities adaptable to learners of all ages are included to illustrate the role of historical media. Quacks, Utopias, and Cemeteries, the third in the daily life series by Cynthia Resor, is an ideal book for history enthusiasts, especially social studies teachers, education or humanities professors, museum educators, and anyone wanting to know about the lives of average people in the past.